Makidona

Makidona is a city-state in the Democratic States of Mercalia located in their northern region.

History
Founded 891 BS, its location was discovered by Leandros of the Spear, a war-hero that has proven his name in battle many times. He was awarded a landed title for his valiant efforts, but was disliked among the congressmen of the nation and was given land that was though to be infertile and without water. Upon his arrive, this was proven to be true for the most part. The land is dry, rocky, and too steep to really grow much on. It is said that the goddess Hastia grew furious upon learning one of her most devout followers was treated so poorly and thrusted her sword into the land causing a spring of water to burst out of the rocky terrain. However this is commonly disputed by historians as they believe it was just another story crafted by Leandros to spread his fame.

In 562 BS, the city-state went from a destitute wasteland into a thriving and booming town. Hundreds flocked to Makidona to study warfare and swordplay under Leandros' descendants, to taste their famous olive oil that they grow here in the hills. They began to have enough soldiers to create their own army, nowhere near the size of Iskander's but one that has quality fighting skills. They won several skirmishes with other city-states, and built a name for themselves among the battlefield as Hastia's Favored.

In 409 AS, a war hero called Tchazzar rallied the Makidonian people under his banner and fought off the oppressing Kalimtyr Empire and forced them into the Bladed Mountains. He was considered a hero among his people and those of the city-states finally freeing them from oppression. He was declared their ruler and claimed Makidona as the capital of Mercalia.

Government
Ruled by their city's elected War Hero, they are both commander of their army and their political leader. They over see all matters under a committee of elected officials that the public has voted for, which tend to the minor problems of every day life in the government. Their current leader Askos the Bloodied, was elected due to his infamous battle rage and smearing himself in the blood of the fallen enemies. His rule is one of fear and intimidation, often pressuring other villages and towns for fealty or they shall lose support of the city-states.

Trade
Olives and silver are the primary exports in Makidona. Their rocky dry hills provide excellent nutrients for olive trees and have made it their staple. Anyone from Korinth has more than likely had their olives at some point. The hills are also filled with silver veins, providing the city-state with much needed